Print Innovation Asia

Print INNOVATION

Asia Magazine

Printing, Packaging and Publishing Industries across Asia.

Issue 10 2016 US$8.50

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HP Scitex 15000 Corrugated Press

© Copyright 2016 HP Development Company, L.P.

HP PageWide Web Press T400S

Asian PrintAwards 2016 th

Gold

Silver

Print INNOVATION

Asia Magazine

Bronze

Contents Page 4 Fortuna 10 design and assembly software for

high-security printing 6 HP Inc. Completes Installation of 300+ Indigo

Presses Purchased at drupa 2016 Worldwide 8 Toppan Forms Now Biggest KODAK PROSPER

Customer in the World 10 One of the biggest deals in its company history 14 Fuji Xerox Announces Production Presses to

Meet Diversifying Finishing Needs 18 Epson partners with Indonesian and Thai designers 20 Rapida users benefit from tested inks 22 Print Software Enables Your Business to Scale 24 A impressive fleet of Lithrone s40SPs 26 CRON builds on drupa success 30 Can you put a value on good business relations 34 24th Edition of Printing South China 2017/Sino-

Label 2017 Opens for Registration 36 12th Cortina User Workshop held 40 MBN Korea install Goss M-600 to extend capacity

and go after new business 42 HP PageWide: Georgia-Pacific Deal Revealed;

Corrugated Print Systems Ramping Up 46 A Toast—and Another One—to the Genius of Corrugated 48 Photo printing developing a clear picture of what

the furutre holds 50 News from around the world

Issue 10 2016

Published by Asian Print Awards Management Pte Ltd 39 Robinson Road, Robinson Point #11-01, Suite 25A Singapore 068911 Print Innovation Asia Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia Asian Print Awards

Publisher

Paul Callaghan paul@printinnovationasia.com

Editorial

Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com Advertising sales@cpublish.com.sg Editor

Sha Jumari sha@printinnovationasia.com Packaging Sales Matthew Callahan matt@cpublish.com.sg Accounts/Circulation accounts@cpublish.com.sg

Get the latest news and information, magazines Print and updates at the NEW INNOVATION

Asia Web Web Site. Go to www.printinnovationasia.com

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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PrePress

Fortuna 10 design and assembly software for highsecurity printing New version of Fortuna software features new security design tools and brand new rasters, as well as a series of new tools focusing on productivity and simplifying security designers’ tasks.

At the Security Printers conference in Seville, Agfa Graphics demonstrated the new Fortuna 10 design software for high-end security printing. It includes a smart collection of updated tools and new security modules. These aim at reducing complex manual calculations, as well as achieving more productivity and ease-of-use for designers of high-

security printing graphics for passports, ID documents, high-security cards, breeder documents, tax stamps, security documents, lottery tickets and more.

“For Fortuna we are in a continuous process of researching new security tools while adapting the software itself to increase the design productivity.

We want to enable designers of highsecurity documents to create dedicated and more diverse designs faster and more accurately," said Andy Grant, Global Head of Software, Agfa Graphics.

Fortuna 10 introduces the brand new Trafo pattern generator, a unique solution for the very latest challenges faced by passport and other security document designers. It creates very complex, yet precise transformation patterns that replace labor- and calculation-intensive manual steps.

There are also two new special rasters: The Hair Raster helps creating unique complex lines based on reference elements or images and the Text Raster enables to use font properties to create type-based security rasters. They were

added to an already extensive list of security features that fit the needs of every security designer or printer.

Agfa Graphics’ Fortuna takes a modular approach and offers a highly secure file format.

"Fortuna 10 will be demonstrated in Seville for the first time while the future ideas, aiming at automation on one hand and even more design complexity on the other, are already outlined," Grant added.

Other new tools in Fortuna also include a new align tool, enhanced magnetism of objects, a special zoom option, tools to create and control dashed lines, advanced use of text from external sources, improvements to the special warp grid, mirror and geometrics— all of which save time when developing high-quality and complex ways to deter and stop counterfeiters.

Fortuna 10 will be available for Windows 10 environments at the end of 2016.

THE PERFECT CHOICE

FOR EVERY

PRINT ENVIRONMENT

CANON SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. 1 Fusionopolis Place #15-10 Galaxis Singapore 138522 Tel: +65-6799 8888 | Fax: +65-6799 8882 | www.canon-asia.com | www.canon.com.sg

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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PrePress

HP Inc. Completes Installation of 300+ Indigo Presses Purchased at drupa 2016 Worldwide At Graph Expo 2016, HP announced that it is fulfilling its robust order pipeline from drupa 2016, delivering more than 300 industry-leading HP Indigo digital presses(1) to customer sites worldwide.

Major HP Indigo customer deals closed at drupa have been completed, with new presses now in full production, reinforcing HP’s robust manufacturing capabilities to deliver proven technology on schedule to meet the quality specifications of the most demanding production environments.

Of note, customers across the globe, including Shutterfly, Cimpress, MonAlbumPhoto, Pureprint, Precision Printing, Rotolito Lombarda, Truyol and Pageworks, are now taking full advantage of the quality and productivity breakthroughs enabled by the flagship HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press to address holiday peak season demand.

"As an HP customer for more than 10 years with the highest confidence in HP Indigo technology, we replaced our half-size traditional offset press with the B2-format HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press," said Dan Goris, president, Pageworks. "Since the installation in July, we’ve more than doubled the number of jobs we produce per shift and anticipate our productivity to increase even further, enabled by automated color management and the on-press Optimizer, which prioritizes our job queue for non-stop printing."

HP Indigo 7900 and 5900 Digital Press customers, including Millet the Printer and Duggal Visual Solutions,

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

Digital Technology

respectively, are capitalizing on the presses’ step-function enhancements in quality, productivity and application versatility. These benefits enable customers to gain competitive advantage and wow end customers with faster turnaround times and impeccable, one-of-a-kind general commercial printing applications.

superior support and commitment to innovating for and with us."

"For more than 80 years, staying on the cutting edge of printing technology has been critical to how Millet the Printer anticipates our customers’ needs and adapts to changing markets," said Dan Millet, vice president, Millet the Printer. "The HP Indigo 7900 Digital Press has performed flawlessly since its July installation, and its speed, print quality and substrate versatility have allowed us to pursue new application opportunities on substrates that were previously unavailable to us. We are very impressed with HP Indigo’s

HP Financial Services can help customers accelerate growth and productivity through a flexible investment strategy. This enables customers to acquire new HP digital print technology on terms that work for their business.(2)

HP Indigo customers are also leveraging PrintOS to simplify and automate print production management across their existing fleets and with the new HP Indigo 12000, 7900 and 5900 Digital Presses.

More information about the latest HP Indigo digital printing solutions is available at www.hp.com/go/ indigo. Follow HP at Graph Expo on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn and by using #GraphExpo.

More than 300 HP Indigo digital presses, including series 2, series 3 and series 4, purchased at drupa 2016 have been installed worldwide. Specifically, 100 of those installations are of series 4 HP Indigo digital presses, including HP Indigo 10000, 12000, 20000 and 30000 Digital Presses.

Financing and service offerings available through Hewlett-Packard Financial Services Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively HPFSC) in certain countries and is subject to credit approval and execution of standard HPFSC documentation. Rates and terms are based on customer’s credit rating, offering types, services and/or equipment type and options. Not all customers may qualify. Not all services or offers are available in all countries.

Other restrictions may apply. HPFSC reserves the right to change or cancel this program at any time without notice.

7

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Digital Technology

Toppan Forms Now Biggest KODAK PROSPER Customer in the World The deal will see the printing giant become the world’s largest KODAK PROSPER user when the Japanese market’s first KODAK PROSPER 6000C Press has been installed. Toppan Forms will utilize their new PROSPER 6000C Press for variable textbook and business mail printing.

“Our existing presses have been running at full production, and the addition of a fifth PROSPER Press will enable us to continue our path of steady growth and best serve our customers across multiple markets,” said Mr. Akira Kameyama, Senior Managing Director and General Manager, Toppan Forms. “This investment testifies our confidence in KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology and the overwhelming printing productivity it delivers.”

“We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with one of the global print industry’s leading print

service providers, and will continue working closely with them to ensure they capitalize on all the benefits the PROSPER 6000C Press delivers,” said Philip Cullimore, President of Kodak’s Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division.

Kodak Returns to Profitability...

Eastman Kodak Company reported financial results for the second quarter, ended June 30, 2016, delivering a return to profitability based primarily on an increase in GAAP income from continuing operations.

Highlights include: GAAP net income was $8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, an improvement of $31 million over the same period a year ago. Income from continuing operations was $16 million for the quarter, a $31 million improvement over the prior year.

The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $513 million, equal to the cash balance at the end of the first quarter of 2016. In the same period a year ago, the cash balance declined by $33 million.

Revenues for the second quarter were $397 million, compared with revenues of $434 million in the same period last year, a reduction of $37 million, or 9%.

Operating expenses (SG&A and R&D expenses) on a GAAP basis were $60 million for the second quarter, a 14% reduction compared to the prior-year second quarter.

Operational EBITDA for the second quarter of 2016 was $34 million, flat with the second quarter of 2015. On a constant currency basis, Operational EBITDA improved by $3 million year over year for the quarter.

The company reiterated 2016 revenues guidance of $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion and Operational EBITDA guidance of $135 million to $150 million.

During the quarter, the company had a major presence at the drupa print industry trade show, introducing more than 20 new products and technologies and exceeding sales targets.

The company remains committed to completing the sale of the KODAK PROSPER business, which is presented within discontinued operations.

Kodak continues to make significant investments in the business, which

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

Digital Technology grew its year-over-year annuity revenue by 35% in the second quarter.

“I’m pleased with Kodak’s return to profitability and the continued improvement of our quality of earnings,” said Jeff Clarke, Kodak Chief Executive Officer. “While overall revenues declined, the company showed growth in our SONORA Plates, FLEXCEL NX Systems and motion picture film businesses.”

Revenues in the second quarter of 2016 were $397 million, a 9% decline from the second quarter of 2015. The decrease was primarily driven by yearover-year price declines and lower equipment sales in the Print Systems Division, as well as the expected continuing decline in legacy consumer inkjet printer cartridge sales.

Net income improved by $31 million year over year to $8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.

Operational EBITDA increased 29% year over year on a constant currency basis, excluding the expected decline in the consumer inkjet business’ Operational EBITDA before corporate costs. This was primarily due to productivity and cost improvements from core businesses.

The company’s cash balance was unchanged at the end of the quarter, compared with a decrease in cash of $33 million in the same period a year ago. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2016, cash used in operations improved by $74 million compared with the prior-year period.

“Kodak demonstrated improvement in our cash flow and overall balance sheet in the second quarter,” said David Bullwinkle, Kodak Chief Financial Officer. “We continue to be committed to generating cash in 2016.”

Print Systems Division (PSD) Kodak’s largest division, had second quarter revenues of $258 million, a 9% decline compared to 2015. Operational EBITDA for the quarter was $22 million, up $2 million or 10% from the same period a year ago. On a constant currency basis, Operational EBITDA improved by 15%.

For

the

quarter,

KODAK

9

SONORA Plate volume increased by approximately 8%. Excluding the Latin America region which was impacted by economic and external factors, SONORA Plate volume was up 17% year over year.

PSD’s Electrophotographic Printing Solutions (EPS) business showed comparable profitability to the prioryear period due to productivity and cost improvements, even with the anticipated slowdown in unit installations as customers paused to evaluate new products introduced at drupa.

Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division (EISD) had second quarter revenues of $19 million, down from $21 million in the same period in 2015. Operational EBITDA was $5 million, flat compared to the second quarter of 2015.

The PROSPER business had continued strong performance in the second quarter. For the half year, PROSPER results improved from a loss of $25 million to a loss of $16 million, including a $3 million investment related to drupa, and PROSPER EBITDA improved by $8 million year over year.

Micro 3D Printing and Packaging Division (MPPD) had solid results for the quarter, driven by strong performance of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Packaging business, which continues to represent a significant growth area for Kodak.

Revenues for the second quarter were $35 million, compared to $33 million in the same period a year ago. Operational EBITDA declined by $2 million, primarily driven by unfavorable foreign exchange rates, investment in drupa and increased R&D expenses.

Revenues for the FLEXCEL NX Packaging business increased by 7%, and the company placed twelve Computer-to-Plate units in the quarter.

FLEXCEL NX Plate volume grew at 16% year over year.

In Micro 3D Printing, Kodak continues to focus on copper mesh touch sensors and shipped products to an All-in-One OEM customer in the second quarter.

Software and Solutions Division (SSD)

Jeff Clarke is the Chief Executive Officer revenues for the second quarter were $21 million, down from $27 million in the same period last year. Operational EBITDA declined $3 million to a loss of $2 million. This division’s performance was impacted by delayed timing of government contracts in Latin America and the delayed timing of orders as a result of drupa.

Consumer and Film Division (CFD) revenues for the second quarter were $61 million, down 8% from $66 million in the same period last year. Operational EBITDA improved from $8 million to $10 million, driven primarily by a significant industrial films customer order in the quarter. Excluding the consumer inkjet business, which saw revenues drop by 39%, the division’s revenues for the quarter improved by $2 million.

Intellectual Property Solutions Division (IPSD) had Operational EBITDA of negative $4 million for the second quarter of 2016, an improvement of $2 million compared with negative $6 million for the yearago period. This improvement reflects continued efforts to re-prioritize research programs. During the quarter, Kodak participated in the formation of a partnership focused on brand protection technology with Alibaba Group, a leader in ecommerce, and signed a contract with Carbon3D, a 3D printing technology company, which will result in improved profitability for the division.

Eastman Business Park Division (EBPD) had revenues of $3 million, down from $4 million in the second quarter of 2015. Operational EBITDA was $1 million, down $1 million from last year. Eastman Business Park continues to improve overall operational efficiency and has a healthy pipeline of potential tenants.

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Digital Technology

One of the biggest deals in its company history Xeikon has signed one of the biggest deals in its company history so far – six Xeikon CX3 high-speed production presses for leading label printer Telrol Group.

The operation chose the Xeikon CX3 based on its ability to produce high quality print with standard conventional substrates. The investment will increase Telrol’s capacity to serve the European market.

specific toner systems: ICE for the 3300 presses and QA-CH toners for the CX3 presses. The mutually beneficial relationship between Xeikon and Telrol enables Telrol to continually grow its visionary digital strategy.

Telrol’s first digital press investment was a Xeikon 3300 in 2009, bought shortly after visiting Labelexpo Brussels. It was the start of Telrol’s Digital Centre of Excellence in Almere which over time gradually grew to five digital presses.

In 2015, together with Xeikon, Telrol started a successful pilot project with a Xeikon CX3.

Hoessein Hadaoui, CEO of Telrol explains that investing in the Xeikon CX3 was the next logical step, citing its quality and productivity. Also important was the specifically-designed Cheetah toner, developed for high speeds and based on the tried-and-tested ICE toner, which has performed well for Telrol with its other Xeikon presses.

The reduced operational cost, together with the benefits of dry toner such as meeting FDA regulations for food contact and offering the ability to print opaque white toner in one pass, were a

Today the center boasts the biggest digital capacity in the Benelux and Europe, as it has nine Xeikon systems.

All presses are running application

winning combination. This is ideal for the product mix Telrol delivers.

The Xeikon CX3 is a five color 1200dpi high-speed production press with a top speed of 30 m/min (98 ft/ min) and excellent uptime. In addition to the standard CMYK + White, the fifth station can be used to print gamut extension colors or security colors without reducing productivity.

The 1200 x 3600 dpi digital press is dedicated solely to the production of self-adhesive/pressure sensitive labels.

Need for growth The decision to invest in Xeikon’s CX3 came after a thorough analysis of Telrol’s business and developments in its market. It led to the conclusion that there is a strong need to grow

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Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Digital Technology ABOUT TELROL The company is headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands run by its joint owner and CEO Hoessein Hadaoui.

The Telrol Group – comprising of Peha Labels, Bio Label, HACCP Label, LMG Ribbons, Kolibri Labels, Q-Tronics, and Sentega Labels. Europe´s largest producer of self-adhesive labels and paper-rolls. It services the markets for food, retail, cosmetics, pharma, home and personal care, logistics and the chemical industry. Leveraging years of experience and an extensive range of converting machinery, the Telrol Group has the flexibility to succeed in these markets. The Telrol Group operates on a national and international level.

Hoessein Hadaoui, CEO of Telrol and extend the digital capabilities.

Wim Maes, President Digital Printing Solutions Division of Flint Group: “This huge investment in Xeikon technology is a great endorsement for the print production quality possible.

Working with such a well-respected group is also fantastic recognition of our market ready systems. Telrol offers a broad range of labelling solutions, covered by various printing technologies going from flexo to digital. The further expansion in digital fits with the general trends in the market of increasing diversification.

This in turn drives the need for more

flexible production processes in digital printing.”

Hadaoui says: “Once again, the investment in new Xeikon technology, gives us a head start in the industry thanks to the ability of the Xeikon CX3 to provide the highest productivity in the market of high quality label printing. Being a critical business partner, Xeikon involves us in the development of their technology. Its high quality standards, excellent track record on production capabilities and food safety makes it the perfect partner for our business.”

Together with its sister companies, servicing self-adhesive labels and POS receipts across Europe, generates a turnover over € 200 Million Euro´s.

It converts more than 1.4 billion square meters of self- adhesive labels and paper rolls and employs over 500 people.

The Group has adopted the mantra, "Excellence Performance.” Within the Group’s companies, 5S and LEAN manufacturing method is fully integrated and IT systems support measuring performances. It is certified with BRC and ISO 9001 as well.

Xeikon stand at the recent drupa exhibition

MAKE IT RUN FOR YOU "We are gaining new work in digital from current customers with the Xeikon CX3 and we are also dramatically increasing our customer base."

Tom Allum, Chairman Abbey Labels

"It's not a matter of being the smartest or the strongest anymore.

It's who can respond most quickly and effective to change."

Hoessein Hadaoui, CEO of Telrol Group

THE XEIKON CX3

packs speed and quality like no other Catch up with more testimonials www.xeikon.com/cx3 #XeikonCX3 direct. dedicated. digital

Visit us at Drupa Hall 8A Booth B20.1/B20.3

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Digital Technology

Fuji Xerox Announces Production Presses to Meet Diversifying Finishing Needs of On-demand Printing Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd launches two new production presses –Versant 3100 Press and the Versant 180 Press for the entry production color market. The presses will be available from late October in China and sequentially in the Asia-Pacific regions, and on November 1 in Japan.

Versant-3100-Press

Versant 3100 Press, an entry model for the professional printing market, is designed to make the work of print professional effortless, accurate and efficient. It is capable of printing at 100 ppm productivity, 2,400 dpi fine resolution, and extensive paper handling capability ranging from 52 to 350g/m2. Automatic image control with the in-line sensor also reduces operational load.

Versant 180 Press, a light-use model for intra-company printing, delivers a print productivity of 80 ppm, 2,400 dpi fine resolution, and extensive paper handling capability ranging from 52 to 350g/m2. It is also equipped with Simple Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) to reduce operational load and a series of office-use functions, including security using an IC card for copying and scanning, and the GX Print Server bypass for quicker printing of office documents.

Combined with the newly developed

optional Finisher D6 and other finishing lineup, Versant 3100 Press and Versant 180 Press will meet finishing needs in both variety as well as quality, such as when making booklets. With their high quality printing performances, the new presses aim to contribute to the further popularization of print-on-demand.

Compact new finisher Finisher D6 features a compact body, allowing it to fit in limited office space.

Although compact in size, it offers

a range of finishing functions such as a stacking and stapling as standard features. Punching, cover page insertion, paper folding, and saddle stapling functions are also available as optional features.

Professional quality in creating automatic saddle stitched booklets High-quality booklets can be automatically created by connecting the newly developed Finisher D6 with Booklet Maker, Crease/Two-sided

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Digital Technology

15

Hit more PANTONE® colours faster.

With the Xerox iGen® 5 Press.

The all-new Xerox iGen® 5 Press brings speed and accuracy together. No more turning to offset to match tricky brand and PANTONE® colours. A fifth colour station lets you switch between additional green, blue and orange in under 30 minutes.

Plus, with automated and time-saving feeding and finishing options, inline and automated colour management technologies and leading uptime, the iGen® 5 is always moving forward. Ready to hit colours on-target?

www.fxap.com.sg/product/production/iGen5/index.jsp

Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design, and iGen5 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

PANTONE® is a trademark of Pantone Inc.

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Digital Technology Versant-180-Press

Trimmer D1, and SquareFold Trimmer D1 to the presses. Conventionally, designing and printing booklets require extra attention such as specifying white margins or not placing images on the crease to avoid toner breakage. Such unproductive activities can now be eliminated. The top and bottom trimming function provided by Crease/Two-sided Trimmer D1, and the face trimming function provided

by SquareFold Trimmer D1 enable full-page layout design on a two-page spread.

Also, Crease/Two-sided Trimmer D1 makes a crease on pages prior to folding them into a booklet, preventing toner from cracking and ensuring a

Funi Xerox stand at the recent drupa exhibition

beautiful finish. Up to five creases can be added to a page, and they can be either a mountain or valley fold.

This contributes to expanding print applications by enabling the creation of complicated booklets such as accordion-fold or gate-fold booklets.

Controllers with rich functionalities that enhance users experience The GX Print Server which has been well received in the market since it was first introduced to the Versant series in 2015 is now equipped with the latest RIP technology APPE3.9, its finer gradation can be printed as well as providing improved operability; accelerating the print on demand procedure through improved image

quality and operational efficiency.

Powered by Fiery, EX-P3100 and EX3100, which drive Versant 3100 Press and EX180, which controls Versant 180, feature the latest and advanced Fiery NX Premium ad NX Pro servers.

With its new Fiery QuickTouch software, they will bring a whole new experience to the users.

A pioneer in manufacturing printon-demand presses, Fuji Xerox will continue to contribute to expanding customers’ businesses through its extensive support services provided by knowledgeable sales representatives and wide-ranging product lineups.

Printing blankets / DrucktĂźcher

Duplica

Made in Germany

UV

Our new solution for conventional sheet-fed and packaging printing Division ContiTech of Continental AG

www.pxp.de

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Digital Technology

Epson partners with Indonesian and Thai designers

of the transformative and changing powers of nature.

Epson collaborated with Indonesian celebrity brand Sky Inc and award-winning Thai designer Thanit Tiansivarat to showcase their digitally printed collections at the Jakarta Fashion Week 2017, at Epson’s Print your Passion fashion show.

Indonesian brand Sky Inc, co-owned by designers Amot Syamsuri Muda and Andrea Risjad, will be showcasing their BI.ON.IC collection of 46 looks with a futuristic science fiction theme, which takes inspiration from the world of science fiction, technology and extraterrestrial life.

Thanit Tiansivarat, owner and designer of Thai brand Oh! Lala and Dee Project, will be showcasing for the first time at Jakarta Fashion Week with her ELEMENTS collection, consisting of 12 looks modelled by kid models. The collection takes inspiration from nature and the natural elements of earth, water, wind and fire, and is evocative

Both the designers’ collections are printed by Epson’s digital textile printers powered by PrecisionCore technology, which vividly captures the bold and vibrant colours of the collections. The collaboration between Epson and designers aims to showcase the unlimited possibilities of digital textile printing and its role in fashion.

“The collaboration with the designers showcases how Epson’s textile printing technology can help in translating the designers’ vision to reality. Epson’s PrecisionCore technology brings vivid colour reproduction, and can inspire designers in the creation of their design.

With digital textile printing, designers are only limited by their imagination.

Through our collaborations with local designers, we hope to support the fashion industry and create greater awareness of the possibilities of digital textile printing,” said Shuji Hamaguchi, General Manager (Southeast Asia), Professional Printing, Epson Singapore.

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

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Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

20

Sheetfed Offset

Rapida users benefit from tested inks On 8 November, KBA-Sheetfed and Flint Group Sheetfed signed a strategic partnership. The deal refers to the worldwide use of Flint Group’s conventional sheetfed ink series on high-performance KBA Rapida presses. Inks with the seal of quality “Recommended

by KBA” can be obtained through the Flint Group dealer network.

KBA-Sheetfed recommends the use of different Flint Group ink series for different applications, for example for straight printing (Novavit F700 on mineral oil basis or Novavit F950 on vegetable oil basis), perfecting (F950), general packaging printing (Novavit F1000 WIN Bio), food packaging (Novasens P660 PREMIUM) and a number of special applications such as printing on non-absorbent substrates or fast work-and-turn.

Rapida users who choose the corresponding printing inks from Flint Group benefit from the wealth of experience gained with the individual ink systems at KBA-Sheetfed. All inks are subject to constant testing and, where necessary, are modified specifically to suit the fast Rapida presses. The outcome is constantly high

and reproducible print quality – process standardisation is raised to a new level.

Dirk Winkler, head of print technology at KBA-Sheetfed: “We have achieved excellent and stable results with printing inks from Flint Group, not only in connection with our ‘conventional ink’ benchmarking, but also during periodic high-performance tests in the areas of packaging, commercial and Web2Print applications or label printing. And when a product meets our high expectations, we gladly recommend it to our users around the world. This strategy is naturally implemented together with our cooperation partner to the benefit of our customers.” Particular strengths are seen in reduced ink consumption, high colour brilliance and contrast, smooth reproduction, convenient handling and the reliable printing of solids. Equally decisive, however, is

cooperation to develop and standardise new ink systems, and naturally the joint support for users, e.g. in the food packaging sector.

As with other strategic partners, KBASheetfed will be working with Flint Group on a global basis. This includes use of the inks for print demonstrations in the customer centre, during training in the company training centre, in the design and development departments, at trade shows and customer events, and for the factory testing of new presses, as well as the inclusion of Flint Group inks in press starter kits and continuous product development. In addition, experts from the two sides will be able to exchange know-how within the framework of joint training measures.

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

Digital Technology

21

ASTRONOMICALLY LOWER COSTS BOOST YOUR SUCCESS

EFI™ Jetrion® 4950lx

The EFI Jetrion 4950lx delivers the lowest cost per label in its class without compromise. This feature-packed modular system will literally get in line with your growing business needs. Just the type of fuel you need to accelerate your success.

Enjoy the ride. http://jetrion.efi.com/takeoff10 or call 07 3625 9200.

©2014 EFI. All rights reserved.

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

22

Sheetfed Offset

Print Software Enables Your Business to Scale Scaling your print business requires the removal of bottlenecks from order inquiry to accurate invoice payment. Your Print MIS is the system of record that can drive you to a more efficient business and enable you to scale.

Print software (web-to-print, Print MIS, production workflow systems, etc.) are clearly vital to running your print business in a data-driven world with margin pressures. The potential upside to these tools is huge.

As the founder of Netscape and the now famous venture capitalist Marc Andreessen said, “software is eating the world.” We have seen printers completely change their ability to scale by investing in their software infrastructure. One printer said to me recently, “before when I sold a new customer I was afraid to bring the news back to my team because they were already so overwhelmed with our manual processes.” Today, after upgrading his technology and streamlining his operations by moving all manual, offline processes into his Print MIS and optimizing his integration with his web-to-print stores, new customers get added all the time with his team hardly noticing.

By the way, this customer has doubled his business over the last few years and lowered his full-time head count.

Yes, I’ll say that again; he doubled his business AND lowered his overall headcount. What printer wouldn’t want to say that or shout it for that matter?

He invested, don’t think these results didn’t take an investment of money (buying the print software) and much more important an investment in leadership and execution. Anyone can buy print software; the purchase doesn’t deliver the value. The execution of the print software in your business is what delivers the value. Too often we think that execution is the vendor’s job.

It is not. You are the lead, you are the visionary, you have everything to gain and everything to lose.

The vendor is a member of the team of people you need to make this a success. It is your job to get this print software working and most importantly REPLACE all the manual processes you have in place today.

Print MIS implementations should “eat Excel spreadsheets, log books, FileMaker Pro hacks, post-it notes, job boards, white boards, chalk boards, etc. by the dozen.” In the process of implementing a Print MIS, you should retire all those “pockets of manual tracking and processing” that got built up over the years where you didn’t have a single trusted system of record. If you implement a Print MIS and keep all those “pockets of manual tracking” around, you just spent a bunch of money to make your business even MORE INEFFICIENT! (ouch).

Let’s think about scale for a minute.

We often limit our discussions of scale to our printing equipment. If your business volume doubled tomorrow, my guess is that you’d be fine with your printing equipment (maybe run a few more hours on your presses each day or add another shift), but everything in front of it and after it in your workflow would be a disaster. If your business is growing, your job is to look for the bottlenecks from the very beginning (initial customer inquiry) to the very end (accurate paid invoices).

The bottlenecks are the places where you’ve been using labor to patch your workflows instead of solving them.

Many printers call us and say; “we’re just not very efficient, we need a workflow specialists to come in a look at how we’re doing things and recommend improvements.” I’m not against this approach, I just think it leaves out the primary tools that people use to run their business today (ERP/Print MIS).

Your Print MIS is the tool, it is the “system” that should run your business.

Diving into a printer’s Print MIS reveals so much about their workflow, it’s like looking at a car and detecting how the driver has been driving it over the years.

When you optimize your Print MIS, you end up optimizing the use of your labor, the chain of custody of your jobs as they flow through your plant, and your ability to put the right data in front of the right people to make better decisions!

Think through this exercise. What is your current order volume? What if that order volume doubled tomorrow?

Which parts of your business would be in chaos? Which parts of your business would be just fine? When you look at your business in this way, you can optimize now so that the people who work for you are more open to scale.

Have you ever thought about that?

Your people might be unconsciously controlling your growth so they can keep up with the chaos?

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Digital Technology

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Digital Technology

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CRON BUILDS ON DRUPA SUCCESS CRON EZcolor, an intelligent printing solution which digitally controls ink values, will have its debut in the Chinese market with expanded functionality which brings a seamless workflow from job creation to automatic print production.

“EZcolor had a fantastic reception at drupa,” states Derek Sizer, Regional Director for CRON. “The product’s objective is to dramatically improve the competitiveness of conventional offset over digital print for fast turnaround and short runs. Working in conjunction with CRON’s automated CTP and workflow solutions EZcolor makes a sea change in pressroom efficiency and paper-waste reduction.”

EZcolor is extremely easy to use due to its creative design and intuitive operation. The heart of the system is an enclosed manifold which replaces

the ink duct on any conventional offset press. Being enclosed, the EZcolor system eliminates ink contamination and the problems associated with open fountain systems of viscosity changes through solvent evaporation.

Inside the EZcolor enclosure, high performance, micro-pumped ink jets exactly meter ink directly onto the first forme roller. Control of the jets is via CIP3/CIP4 data working in conjunction with an Expert database which predicts the exact ink demand under specific printing conditions. The resulting control over ink volume, to a

tolerance of +/-1%, keeps a balance of ink-feed and consumption, hence ensuring a higher colour consistency on all printed jobs and immediate compliance with ISO standards.

The full benefits of EZcolor are realised by the new Pre-Print Automation System which integrates all elements of the digital workflow to provide ‘oneclick’ printing. The system handles all incoming documents providing press scheduling, imposition, error correction, CTP-ready output and the control of ink values for immediate press start up and efficient product delivery.

The total package is completed by a Lean Production Management System which promotes optimum workflow efficiency, maintaining dynamic interaction across a local area network of all production units,

The art of inkjet.

Believe it when you see it!

The Fuji Xerox 1400 Inkjet Color Continuous Feed Printing System

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automatically calculating the time taken for each assignment as well as the expected finishing time. Using ‘kanban’ principles, the system identifies and eliminates workflow bottlenecks so that problems can be solved before they have an impact, thereby optimising job production and providing ultimate productivity and competitiveness.

The new CRON HDI Flexo CTP solutions are designed to help label and packaging printers meet the demands for higher quality, lower costs and increasing pressure on environmental issues. All of this against a backdrop of demands for faster-turnaround and pack-flexibility requirements for special offers and seasonal changes.

The new CRON HDI Flexo units are available in a variety of formats from 900mm for label applications to 1600mm for general packaging work.

They are compatible with all digital photopolymer plates, ablative films and polyester-based letterpress plates.

Three versions of each model are available to enable users to tune production to their particular needs with high performance “H” variants having a maximum resolution of 9600 dpi and a speed of 3.2 square metres per hour. The exposure platform has been adapted from CRON’s latest

magnetic linear drive system which has gained much praise in the offset CTP market for its ability to image accurate and high quality dots from 1-99%.

are fitted with high volume suction fans to safely remove dust particles to an on-board sealed storage system, eliminating any potential contaminants.

To reduce plate waste, HDI Flexo platesetters have a unique laser guided system for plate positioning and automatic loading. There is also an option for partial imaging or four-color mixed-separation output to improve imaging efficiency and reduce plate costs. As the flexo plate exposure is an ablative process, all HDI Flexo units

“Using tried-and-tested technology, HDI units provides fault-free, high quality flexo imaging at a fraction of the cost from the competition,” comments Sizer. “Whether it’s a first venture into flexo CTP or a replacement for existing equipment, the new CRON HDI units will simply make our customers more profitable!”

M

IM X A

UM

ILIT Y T A RS VE

OP

UM M I T

PRODUCT TO-END IVIT D Y EN

• Speeds up to 100 prints per min • Deliver vibrant image quality even on textured media • 2,400 x 2,400 dpi print resolution • Multi Density Adjustment Technology • “Right-first-time” output

EX CEP TIO

N A L P R I N T Q UA L I T Y

Setting New Standards in Image Quality & Productivity

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Can you put a value on good business relations Price has long been king for print buyers and brand owners, particularly in recent years with budgets being squeezed to the limit. And with some printers falling over each other to offer the lowest price they can to secure work, many buyers do not have to look far for a competitive quote.

“Price is important because everybody’s got a budget and that magic figure in mind that they want to pay,” says independent print consultant Mark Francis.

But price is far from the be-all and endall for buyers. Even those that do buy primarily on price need some way to differentiate between suppliers offering similar quotes and this is where printers need to go that extra mile to stand out in order to win work.

“A supplier has got to be competitive and capable of doing a job and that’s when they get the chance to add value,” says Toyota/Lexus buyer Weldon Molony.

It’s not just about quality either, as that is more or less a given these days. A printer consistently delivering shoddy jobs is not going to last long in the industry.

Profitable Print Relationships director Matthew Parker says that, due to the commoditised nature of some print

products, the print itself now needs to be just one part of a whole package offered by a printer.

“Although this will vary according to the market sector the printer is in and the type of print that they’re producing,” he acknowledges. “There’s no one magic value cure but it is about offering more than print and framing it in the right way for the customer.

For example, there’s a big difference between asking ‘what can we do to improve your marketing results?’ and ‘would you like some direct mail?’ because the first question can lead to a value-added discussion and the second leads to a commodity discussion.”

Parker adds that printers could differentiate themselves by offering design and web services in-house or catering for specific niche markets.

“If your range of services is much broader then it’s not just about seeing who’s got the cheapest piece of print.

“And if you specialise in a sector you’re more likely to get a higher profit margin because people will value that sector knowledge for the right products.

A printer could, for example, create restaurant specific services, not just menus but a whole marketing package for a restaurant’s event.”

Customer focus A crucial element that most buyers look for when placing work is good customer service, though many see this as a necessity rather than a value add.

“For me customer service is the most important ingredient,” says Npower print services manager Jeff Richards. “I do feel printers have got much better on service because they’ve had to with the attack by print management. People buy off people, it’s all about the ease of the journey, and that’s reflective of companies who can deliver good customer service.

“There are always some that do it that little bit better and those are the ones you know you can rely on.” Francis adds: “Service is key. When you’re press passing – especially if you’ve got the end-client with you – it’s important that the printer has the facilities to actually accommodate you and the client on site. Molony says part of good service is helping to make new concepts clearer.

“When somebody comes to me about something I don’t really know about, I need to be able to rely on my printer to call and ask them how to do it.

“If somebody’s helping you with something you’ve never bought before then realistically they deserve to do the job. The loyalty stays with those go-to people.”

Richards believes that having this sort of collaborative relationship with printers helps them to stand out.

“There are always opportunities to

Printing blankets / DrucktĂźcher

Ruby CARAT

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Management/General 31

UV

The no. 1 in UV offset printing Division ContiTech of Continental AG

www.pxp.de

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“And it’s not just about the fact that they’ve got the accreditation, but also about how they are trying to improve it each year.”

Richards says an important standard for Npower is the ISO 12647 colour management certification. learn something new and you lean on relationships with suppliers to add that value.”

Parker agrees and elaborates: “If I think I want direct mail but you then introduce me to some more competitive services and start me on the road to better personalisation or multi-channel print, then I’m busy learning with you and therefore less likely to commodotise the product and buy it on price. I’m trusting you to educate me and take me on the right journey.”

If a buyer requires assistance in picking a suitable or unique substrate for a job then a printer might find it useful to contact its own suppliers for advice first because, as Antalis head of print channel Rob Chandler notes, a poor choice of substrate can make or break a job, regardless of how powerful a design is. “Substrate specification will have a whole range of impacts, both good and bad, whether it’s poor opacity once the ink is down, causing show-through, or selection of the right coated, uncoated or creative substrate that gives the job a tactile feel to the end-consumer.”

Chandler adds the company is seeing an increasing demand for products that remove the need for further finishing processes such as laminating or diecutting, which can help a printer to add value by keeping a buyer’s costs, wastage and potentially outsourcing down. While many buyers do not mind suppliers outsourcing small parts of a job such as special or unusual finishes, most see it as a bonus for a printer to have a comprehensive range of

finishing kit at their disposal.

“The more you can cut down the supply chain and keep it all under one roof, the better for quality, consistency of service, cost and time,” says Progressive Content production director Angela Derbyshire. “I don’t expect a web printer to have foiling in-house but if it’s all under one roof for a short-run job then you’re not transporting things everywhere, you’re shortening your schedule and you have more control.”

Indeed, special finishes and formats are other popular ways of adding value.

Francis deals with a lot of corporate communications for FTSE companies, some of which like to experiment with unique effects. He says: “There’s a project I’m doing at the moment for somebody who wants a lenticular finish to give a 3D effect. For that we use companies that specialise in that sort of thing.”

Richards adds: “Creative formats sometimes score points – marketers are always pushing for those – but for me they have to have the potential for ROI. Formats such as a die-cut or a special finish – something that makes a piece stand out – can be used to target highvalue customers.”

Maintaining standards Another important value-add, most buyers agree, is holding various accreditations and certifications, as it helps them to identify which printers are most likely to be able to handle their jobs, many of which are often for bluechip clients or brands that have certain credentials to meet.

“To me, working to ISO 12647 is the only way a printer can truly manage colour. I have to see that because otherwise they wouldn’t be able to undertake my brand benchmark test.

They have to meet a tighter tolerance because of my colours.”

Some printers offer a no-frills service, which can be fine if buyers know upfront about what they are getting.

“I don’t think it takes a lot to add that extra value for a client but it depends what world you’re in,” says Francis, who notes that adding value can mean different things in different sectors.

“If you’re used to sending PDFs and then getting soft proofs which are then approved and printed then it’s a different world to the world I’m used to where you’re getting wet proofs and scatter proofs.

“It’s about building in that time for comment for getting things correct, whereas if you’re purely geared up for volume and job-in, job-out then it’s a different world.”

Ultimately, it seems that the best way for a printer to add value is to offer a more compelling overall proposition than their competition. Building a good rapport with buyers is essential for printers to become trusted and valued rather than being seen as just another ‘ink on paper’ type business.

And whether that’s achieved by sharing expertise where possible, offering something different from the norm or ensuring consistently high service standards, establishing that strong initial connection is vital and a good working relationship keeps buyers going back.

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24th Edition of Printing Sino-Label 2017 Opens

Set to be held from 1-3 March 2017 in Guangzhou, China, the concurrent exhibitions aim to provide a one-stop purchasing platform from printing, labeling to packaging and products.

Printing South China 2017 will be showcasing advanced post-press and packaging converting equipment and technologies in order to meet worldwide needs for technology enhancement.

Sino-Label 2017 will be highlighting cost-effective digital printing solutions at this year’s edition.

Printing South China 2017 Following its previous success, the 24th South China International Exhibition on Printing Industry (Printing South

China 2017) will be staged during 1-3 March 2017 at Area B, China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, PR China, showcasing a comprehensive range of technological achievements and developments on printing, carton packaging and paper converting across 8 themes zones, where over 1,000 exhibitors will be present.

According to the report of “The Future of Folding Cartons to 2020” released

by Smithers Pira in 2015, the global

folding cartons market will be worth over US$100 billion by the year 2020.

The market is currently dominated by the demand from the Asia-Pacific region. In 2014, the region shared 52% of the world’s total consumption and it will continue to grow to over 60% by 2020. China plays a critical role in such increasing dominance, and it is forecasted that China will increase its share of the market to 39% by 2020, while India will also consume over 6% of the total in the same year.

As the popularity of dry foods surged, Asia’s demand towards folding cartons has been driven up. The improvement in distribution chains and the expansion of supermarkets in the region also stimulated folding carton consumption in frozen and chilled food applications.

How to differentiate their products on

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South China 2017/ for Registration the highly competitive supermarket shelf has become a major concern to brand owners, and the supply chain is under the pressure to come up with innovative technologies, processes and designs. More resources should be invested on new printing technology in order to sharpen the competitive edge.

To cope with the market development, Printing South China 2017 will set up “Post-press & Packaging Converting Halls”, where following exhibitors were confirmed: Guowang, Jinbao, Fangbang, Zhongke, Hongming, Keqiang, Guangming, Zhejiang Ruida, Ounuo, Ruian Jinggong, Zenbo, Sini, Hangzhou Cron, Xinda, Xinwei, Ruiguang, Aoke, Huibo, Daqiao, Fengming, Zono, Donghang, Wenzhou Yongshun, Xinfeng, Litong, Aote, Yasen and Siegwerk. The latest products and technologies of carton packaging and paper converting will be showcased to help industry players upgrade their equipment, transform their business, and cope with all kinds of challenges encountered in the market.

Sino-Label 2017 The China International Exhibition on Label Printing Technology 2017

(Sino-Label 2017) will be staged during 1-3 March 2017 at Hall 10.211.2, Area B, China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, PR China, where worldwide exhibitors will showcase top-notch label printing technologies.

Digital printing will be a focus, as there is a growing demand in labels. According to a report from WiseGuyReports, due to the increasing demand for labels from China and India, the label market in Asia Pacific will grow from US$12.412 billion in 2015 to US$18.306 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 6.69%. The Asian Labeling and Product Decoration Market Study 2015 by Alexander Watson Associates (AWA) also shows that Asia is the largest label market, where China contributes over half of the region’s demand, followed by India and Japan at 15% and 11% respectively.

It is worth mentioning that variable data printing has seen an increase in worldwide production, covering 13% of produced labels.

Variable data printing is an important part of digital printing, which has seen significant improvement over the years and remained as the industry focus. Digital printing enjoys short

production cycle, high efficiency, reduced waste and low cost, and its features on variable data printing and on-demand printing could meet the rising demand for short run production and customization in the label printing market in recent years.

Numerous of renowned companies have joined the 2017 edition of the reputable Sino-Label. Professional exhibitors specializing in digital printing such as Founder, Arojet, Trojanjet, Shield, Dugao Photo, Sonicjet and Brotech will present a range of digital printing equipment and solutions.

Che Fung Hong Kong, an agent of Xeikon, will also exhibit the new models of Xeikon presses onsite.

The show covers labeling printing machines, label printing materials, label print finishing equipment and services, where the following star exhibitors will be present: Omet, Haotian, Taiyo Kikai, Zhongte, Labellong, Source MTR, Weigang, Dowell, Wanjie, Ophter, Jingda, Chili, Caisheng, Hontec, BST, Nickel, Rhyguan, Luster, Zhongshan Fuzhou, KURZ, Xinshan, Soontomax and Shriro.

Pre-register Online Now for Easy Access Online registration is now available at www.PrintingSouthChina.com and www.SinoLabelExpo.com. Pre-register now to enjoy free admission, free show catalogue, priority to join concurrent events and discounted hotel rates.

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Web Offset Technology

12th Cortina User Workshop held Ditzen-Blanke: The decision to purchase the KBA Cortina was one of our best ever “I have rarely experienced such openness, honesty and collegial spirit at any other event of this kind” – this enthusiastic comment from one participant is indicative of the positive atmosphere at this year's 12th Cortina User Workshop, which was hosted by Nordsee-Zeitung in Bremerhaven on 21st and 22nd September. The users of the waterless offset newspaper press KBA Cortina and the attending representatives of the supplier industry were unanimous in their verdict: “The agenda was extremely varied and provided a wealth of valuable first-

hand information. The event should definitely be continued in this proven form.”

The almost 90 participants were already able to visit the night production at the Nordsee-Zeitung print centre on the eve of the workshop proper. Welcoming his guests back in the morning, managing director Matthias Ditzen-Blanke explained why Druckzentrum Nordsee had chosen the waterless KBA Cortina ten years ago, and reflected on the print centre's experiences over those years.

Ditzen-Blanke: “The number of jobs

handled has risen significantly since we installed the Cortina back in 2008.

Today, we are no longer just the print centre for the Nordsee-Zeitung, but also service provider to an extremely broad spectrum of customers. The 30 % increase in paper consumption can be attributed above all to the greater volumes of printed supplements.

From the business perspective, it was a challenge to invest in a shrinking market segment, but in the end, the decision to purchase the Cortina was one of our best ever. I have nothing to regret whatsoever.”

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

Finishing Technology

The road to growth Set your future along a secure, profitable path in labels and packaging with the HP Indigo Digital Press portfolio HP brings a decade of experience, innovation and best-in-class technology to the new family of HP Indigo digital presses for labels and flexible packaging. Match your business needs with the widest range of digital production capabilities to help your business grow. Choose from the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press for heavy-duty medium and long runs, or move from one job to the next with the HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press, a high-performing versatile press for short to medium-run jobs, or handle even the longest and most demanding jobs at high speed with the new HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, the most productive digital narrow-web label press in the industry.

HP Indigo offers a proven, versatile product portfolio that enables next level flexibility and new ways to serve your customers. Discover the advantages of HP Indigo, and secure your path to profitable growth today.

Find out more: hp.com/go/labelsandpackaging Contact person: Edcent Chan +65 9862 6092, email: edcent.chan@hp.com

HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press

HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press

HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press Š Copyright 2016 HP Development Company, L.P.

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Web Offset Technology

resource-sparing process of waterless offset newspaper printing.

In the words of KBA project manager Peter Benz, waterless offset printing is still a concept with a promising future, even twelve years after the initial market launch: “Compared to conventional wet coldset, the waterless process raises the bar in terms of quality, flexibility and productivity, and thus offers significant competitive advantages.”

The workshop participants confirmed the freedoms to develop qualitatively outstanding newspaper and commercial products when using the KBA Cortina, but also called on the press manufacturer and consumables suppliers to continue further development of the process. It would be a clear mistake to interpret that as discontent on the part of the users, however. On the contrary: A survey conducted by the Cortina users themselves showed that practically all the responding printing houses were satisfied with both press and process. The original newspaper press of 2004 has since evolved into a versatile production system for both newspapers and commercial products.

Cortina printers are today working with significantly improved inks, papers, plates and other consumables, and some are even using integrated coating units for further inline refinement of the print products.

Lars Cordes, production manager at Druckzentrum Nordsee, reported on new applications which are made possible by the waterless printing process. “Semi-commercials are not really attractive for us, because we would there be competing with classic heatset printers,” he said. Far more interesting fields are newspaper-like and hybrid print products, as well as products which target previously untapped potential with new papers, new folding options, etc. Cordes: “That could mean anything from a 1000-page spare parts catalogue to calendars. All examples which are far more profitable than even the highest circulations of standard supplements. Through the optimisation of production infrastructure and materials, we are opening up whole new markets.”

Satisfied users The workshop was once more a very international meeting. Cortina users came to Bremerhaven not only from other parts of Germany, but also from the Benelux countries, Scandinavia, France and Switzerland, while representatives of the supplier industry had even travelled from Korea and the USA. As in previous years, their common focus was placed on broadbased discussion of the waterless coldset process, including selection of the most appropriate materials and results obtained with the KBA Cortina press. User working groups meet regularly to elaborate strategies for continued development of the press technology and consumables, and representatives of these groups gave reports on ways to further promote the

Supplier industry on the ball Prominent consumables suppliers also gave insights into their product strategies. The Flint Group, for example, reported on its acquisition of Siegwerk's news ink business and gave an unequivocal commitment to continue the development and production of Cortina inks. Presstek announced that it would soon be unveiling a water-based and completely chemistry-free plate system, while apex international introduced its new style of anilox roller engraving and spoke about the recently agreed cooperation with KBA. The next KBA Cortina Workshop is scheduled to be held in September 2017 and will be hosted by anilox roller manufacturer apex international from the Netherlands.

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Web Offset Technology

• Impactful Spot UV

• Hot Foil Stamping

• Digital Embossing

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Web Offset Technology

MBN Korea install Goss M-600 to extend capacity and go after new business MBN (Maeil Business Newspaper), South Korea’s primary business newspaper, has installed a16page Goss M-600 for the high printing quality and productivity that is synonymous with this press.

The new M-600 press expands the company’s existing high-quality print capabilities and increases its overall production capacity, enabling MBN to drive new sales opportunities.

MBN, owned by Maekyung Media Group, delivers high-quality printed monthly and weekly magazines, reference books, pictorials and brochures, and newspapers. The company already boasts an impressive range of Goss equipment including 6 Newsliner presses across its four production sites in South Korea.

However, the new press, equipped with Omnicon press controls, gives MBN a new competitive edge.

Mr. Lee, Vice Chairman, MBN explains, “This latest investment provides existing and new customers with an even higher standard product. The M-600 press is the best on the market and ensures that we can deliver the highest quality with the shortest makereadies and as such, we are confident that there will soon be even higher demand for our services. The strong performance and proven durability of our existing Goss equipment and technologies were also key factors in the decision making process for this investment.”

MBN held an open house event at its Paju city facility on September 29. The

event enabled MBN to demonstrate the capabilities of the Goss M-600 press to numerous interested customers and prospects.

Tim Mercy, managing director, Goss Asia Pacific, comments, “When people saw the M-600 system in action at the open house event, they were able to fully appreciate the quality and productivity achievable with this press.

Goss and MBN have an established relationship spanning many years and we are really pleased to be able to support them once again as they take yet another step forward and expand their business.”

Delegates during the MBN Open House event including: Mr. Lee, Vice Chairman, MBN; Mr. Jeon, General Affair Manager, MBN and Mr. Kim, Factory Manager, MBN.

The new Color 1000i Press

Gold & Silver give you infinite creative possibilities Fuji Xerox’s new Color 1000i Press is the industry’s first to offer gold and silver dry ink in a single pass.

Built on the market leading Color 1000 Press platform but now with stunning metallic effects that can deliver increased profitability to your business.

To find out more go to: www.fxap.com.sg/product/production/color_1000i/index.jsp The Color 1000i Press

Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design and Color 1000i Press are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

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Packaging Technology

HP PageWide: GeorgiaPacific Deal Revealed; Corrugated Print Systems Ramping Up Corrugated packaging protects effectively, presents handsomely, and succeeds environmentally. What’s not to like or to give credit where due?

• HP placed the first T-Series presses for commercial printing, HP T300 in 2009 and HP T200 in 2010. Each is CMYK and based on 1,200 nozzle-perinch thermal inkjet heads.

• The print quality, productivity, and media range of these presses, and of the T400 (2011), drove their adoption for books, catalogs, and other highvolume commercial printing.

• In 2014, HP announced a simplex version, T400S, to print corrugated liner. The first unit was placed at Obaly Morava in Czech Republic, and the second at DS Smith (UK).

• In early 2015, HP revealed its partnership with KBA for a 110" printer for corrugated liner media, HP T1100S. DS Smith was named the first customer for this device.

HP’s PageWide Web Press division revealed this week that Georgia Pacific will be the first corrugated company in the Americas to install the HP PageWide T1100S Press, the division’s 110" high speed inkjet web for printing corrugated liner. Details of the deal are unknown, except that the company will install the giant press at a U.S. site by the end of 2017.

This development, plus a recent event that HP held for corrugated prospects, spurred InfoTrends to look again at HP and its single-pass inkjet presses, namely ones that use stationary CMYK printheads to print wide webs at high speed. The corrugated customer event with managers of box plants and related

enterprises in the audience was a good place to catch up with HP’s recent offerings for this market, so we’ll offer some key takeaways from it here.

First, we note that catching up really is required, because a lot has happened in single-pass corrugated printing by HP printers in just the past two years.

The printers are the HP PageWide T-Series presses that got their start in commercial printing, but they now include two simplex models (T400S, T1100S) that are dedicated to printing corrugated liner media (i.e., the paper layer that is later fed into a corrugator to form corrugated board). For readers not familiar with HP PageWide presses for corrugated, here’s a capsule history:

• At drupa 2016, HP described a “PageWide C500” press, its first wide format single-pass unit for printing fully formed corrugated board media, with 2018 availability.

• Also during 2016, there were three more sales of T1100S (Ghelfi in Italy, Christiansen in Germany, and Georgia Pacific in USA) and one T400S sale to a customer in Asia (to be announced in the coming weeks).

In a key way, there’s great inventiveness in this history—the HP PageWide team pioneered the use of color inkjet to print corrugated liner in single-pass digital presses, and so far HP is nearly alone in applying inkjet to this early stage of the corrugated manufacturing process.

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Packaging Technology

Regarding the T1100S, its printed rolls are a match for a full size corrugator, and so is its productivity, 1 million square meters or more in about 50 hours of operation. Actual production runs by the T1100S should begin soon, since DS Smith has recently completed the first installation in Featherstone, UK. Leveraging a CP Technology The overall message is that HP’s PageWide press division now has a dedicated focus on corrugated graphics printing, first through digital pre-printing of liner stock and, in 2018, through printing of finished board (“post printing”).

In just a few years then, the PageWide division has built and marketed a print technology for commercial printing, then leveraged it to address an industrial application. In fairness, the CMYK T400S and T1100S use 1,200 nozzleper-inch thermal inkjet heads, not the 2,400 nozzle-per-inch “HDNA” (High Definition Nozzle Architecture) heads now found in HP PageWide presses for commercial printing.

That said, the corrugated liner presses’ jetting heads have their own high nozzle redundancy and print fine graphics; they also benefit from the same bonding and priming agents as their alternates for commercial printing, enabling them to print on standard coated and uncoated liner media.

Finally, the T1100S also uses a job management tool specifically for corrugated, Multi-lane Print Architecture (MLPA). This tool splits the web into multiple print lanes, so different jobs with different box sizes and run

lengths can be printed in the individual lanes, and multiple short runs can be queued and printed together, with no makeready in between jobs, all while a long run is printed in another lane.

What It Looks Like Some of the developments at the PageWide Web Press Division are in keeping with basic HP strategies. First, there’s a still-developing portfolio of products for different types of users (e.g., T400S and T1100S now and C500 in 2018); if we include the automated, multi-pass inkjet flatbeds of HP Scitex (Israel), the larger HP has tools for everything from prototyping to POP displays to high-volume corrugated box production.

The T-Series for corrugated also aims to give converters tools to upgrade packaging in terms of engagement and customization. A good example is the T-Series’ ability to print covert but scannable codes (“digital watermarks”) within printed graphics; the consumer can scan the corrugated packaging with a smartphone and connect to digital content without ever seeing a QR or other code. Finally, the HP PageWide team is doing something we’ve seen before at HP Indigo, namely getting brand owners’ attention about digital printing for packaging and generating demand for a new and soon-to-be-influential technology.

Digital watermarks are scannable and cut out visible codes Given the productivity of the T400S and especially the T1100S, just a sprinkling of T-Series presses for liner media will soon surpass the annual output of all the multi-pass flatbeds that print corrugated board today. According to HP, that small base will soon be in place, with three T1100S systems operating in Europe and the UK and one in the United States in 2017. HP says it expects the corrugated market’s adoption of digital pre-print to accelerate through 2018 and beyond.

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Packaging Technology

A Toast—and Another One— to the Genius of Corrugated Corrugated packaging protects effectively, presents handsomely, and succeeds environmentally. What’s not to like or to give credit where due?

Lately, corrugated board for packaging has been attracting a lot of attention from the production angle thanks to the emergence of new solutions for printing directly on it or on the top liner that is laminated to it as a step in the converting process. But, corrugated’s other plusses for packaging have drawn notice of their own as new applications continue to show just how dependable and versatile a material it can be.

For example, the Fibre Box Association (FBA) cites recent scientific research indicating that corrugated containers keep fruit fresher and safer to eat than reusable plastic containers (RPCs), an alternative to corrugated for shipping.

The research, conducted in Europe, showed that corrugated was better than plastic at impeding the spread of microbes that spoil produce and make people sick.

Scientists at the University of Bologna deliberately contaminated corrugated trays and RPCs with identical microorganisms, packed the containers

with washed and sterilized peaches, and waited. The results were striking.

Transfer of microbes from container to contents occurred in both types of packaging, but with corrugated, it took place more slowly and with less harm to the fruit. Fruit in the plastic crates became contaminated to spoilage level 48 to 72 hours sooner than the fruit in the corrugated trays. The E.coli contamination level of the peaches stored at high temperatures in the corrugated trays never exceeded 25%, whereas almost all (95%) of the fruit in the RPCs became contaminated after 48 hours in the same conditions.

The research underscores corrugated’s advantages both for food safety and for packaging efficiency, according to the FBA. “The ability of corrugated packaging to increase shelf-life could translate into significantly reduced shrink and potentially millions of dollars in savings for retailers,” said Dennis Colley, the group’s president and CEO.

Colley also is the executive director of the Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA), and in that capacity, he recently pushed back against a challenge to another of corrugated’s virtues: its environmental friendliness.

He was reacting to a new study by IFCO, a supplier of reusable packaging solutions, which declared that RPCs are more environmentally sustainable than corrugated boxes in seven key categories.

The study was based on a peerreviewed life cycle analysis (LCA) of the two types of containers. Stated in it are claims that compared with corrugated boxes for shipping fresh produce, RPCs produce 30% lower CO2 emissions; generate 85% less solid waste; consume 35% less energy; and create significantly smaller percentages of environmental pollution.

Colley zeroed in on the data point about CO2. It is inaccurate, he said, because it is based on an outdated and incorrect baseline assumption of 15% recycled content for corrugated containers. The Corrugated Packaging Alliance maintains that because the actual average recycled content is about 50%, it gives corrugated a nearly 40% advantage over RPCs for CO2 emissions and global warming potential (GWP).

The group expects to publish its own LCA for corrugated in October, its third such study. The one from 2014 reported a 32% reduction in GWP compared with the findings of the first corrugated industry LCA in 2009.

According to the 2014 report, the good news included double-digit declines in indicators for eutrophication (a form of water pollution), respiratory problems, and fossil fuel depletion.

Stackable and sturdy: The Inno-Pak Visions Cake Carton

Packaging Innovation Asia Issue 10 2016

Packaging Technology

All the while, increasing amounts of corrugated have been entering the waste recovery stream for recycling.

Tracking the progress is the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), which says that the recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) and unbleached Kraft papers has been rising steadily since the 1990s. According to AF&PA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes OCC recovery to be higher than any other material in the municipal waste stream.

In 2015, the recovery rate stood at a record 92.9%: 31,326,000 tons of corrugated recovered or exported vs. an available supply of 33,715,000 tons of containerboard and unbleached Kraft. This represented an increase of 3.7 percentage points over 2014. In 1993, the recovery rate was 54.5%.

AF&PA says that slightly more than half of the OCC recovered in 2015 was used to make new containerboard for more corrugated boxes. These included an average of 50% percent recycled material (as asserted in CPA’s response to the comparative LCA from IFCO).

The rest went into boxboard for items like cereal packages or was exported.

Corrugated’s rising reputation for ecofriendliness bodes well for growing its share of the packaging market.

Technavio, a market research firm, notes that one reason for the increasing use of corrugated boxes is the fact that their paper can be recycled up to

seven times more than other packaging materials.

While all of these metrics speak strongly in favor of corrugated as a packaging medium, they’re a bit dry, and they don’t hint at the creative uses to which the tried-and-true material is being put. But, examples of such applications aren’t difficult to find.

Anyone who has ever dinged the frosting of a birthday cake on the trip home from the bakery knows that the average cake box is thin armor against accidental damage. Inno-Pak, a supplier of flexible plastic and rigid paperboard packaging to the grocery and food service industries, believes it has the answer: the Inno-Pak Visions Cake Carton, made of corrugated with a clear plastic window. The box is said to be durable, stackable, and capable of doing its job with zero damage to the baked goods inside.

Like most corrugated boxes, the Inno-Pak Visions Cake Carton is square-cornered. But, no law says that corrugated containers must consist of nothing but 90º angles.

At drupa, SCA Forest Products AB proved it by presenting Arcwise, a packaging concept for producing curved containers with conventional corrugated equipment.

Arcwise packages ship flat for printing and diecutting in the usual ways. They achieve their distinctive curved look when erected and filled with product.

SCA says that the rounded corners of the wraparound packaging gives it high stability and stacking strength as well as untapped design potential.

What better way to salute the genius of corrugated than with a toast of the best beer in the world? That is the accolade that many aficionados have bestowed upon Westvleteren 12, a quadrupel-style Belgian ale brewed by a small community of Trappist monks at the Saint Sixtus Abbey in that country. The corrugated connection comes from the VPK Packaging Group, which designed and produced a new corrugated box specifically for transporting the precious—and highly breakable—bottles.

Since beer lovers often travel from far and wide to obtain Westvleteren 12 at the source, the container had to be sturdy enough to protect the bottles— six to a box—on the long journeys home. VPK accomplishes this with corrugated inserts that reinforce the box and hold the bottles safely in place.

The boxes, says VPK, are stackable, and their built-in handles make them easy to carry.

In Belgium, when Flemish-speaking people want to toast something, they say Santé! and raise their glasses twice.

Corrugated deserves—and finally is getting—just this kind of dual recognition for the protection it affords and the creative possibilities it opens up.

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Wide Format / Proofing Technology

PHOTO PRINTING: DEVE PICTURE OF WHAT THE F Inspired by the buzz around our clients’ recent photokina 2016 PR and marketing campaigns, I went searching for my digital camera… and I did have to do some real searching for both camera and charger Like most of us, I don’t often feel I need it. With a perfectly good camera built into my Smartphone and therefore, on me at all times, I take pictures almost every day. They accumulate quickly in a digital library and I share the best with friends and family on social media.

But what then? Well, if I’m feeling super organised, I’ll download them all onto a hard drive that lives at the back of a drawer where my long forgotten camera also spends most of its life.

ago! It’s not as if I haven’t been on a holiday since then, I just haven’t felt the need to print out any photos from those subsequent holidays. Shameful for someone who works in the printing industry, but also a sad reflection on the way we, photo consumers, are sharing and saving our most treasured memories. In this day and age where cameras are a part of our everyday lives, surely we should be printing more photos, not less?

It’s during the search for the camera that I stumble upon some printed photographs tucked away in the wallet they came in, when I picked them up from some chemist years ago. They’re of a family holiday way back when and it gets me thinking, when is the last time I printed out my holiday pictures?

The answer is five years ago. Five years

I suspect it’s because photos today are a more immediate and disposable commodity – taken and shared socially in an instant – and superseded sometimes minutes later. Unlike photography of 20 years ago, photos today cost nothing to take and view, so the perceived value has reduced.

So printing our photos is just not in the culture of consumers today, and obviously, I am as guilty of this as anyone else. However, it did hit home that this presents a huge opportunity for photo printers and it’s an opportunity that many are taking advantage of already by offering quick and easy ways to compile and print photobooks, cards and other photo gifts.

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the shift towards online photo sharing has actually helped strengthen online photo printers’ opportunities for growth. These printers often link their printing services to social media channels or photo sharing platforms to make it even more convenient for a consumer to simply click through and print their pictures.

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Wide Format / Proofing Technology

LOPING A CLEAR FUTURE HOLDS

devices has increased significantly too.

Polina Vorms, Research Analyst at Futuresource Consulting, explains that consumers are “finding physical prints unexplored fun,” and states, “If only 1% of these unprinted digital memories were converted into a physical print, then the photo prints market could double in size in one year.”

These findings, and our own experiences of taking an ever-increasing number of photos, tell us that the photo printing market looks set to have a strong and profitable future. The main challenge that printers need to overcome is the consumer mindset as to how photos are shared and stored. Personally, I can’t see my future grandchildren hunting through hundreds of digital files, that may not even open on their futuristic systems, for pictures of their ancestors.

I think I owe it to them to take the time to print my photos and keep them safe for generations to come in one of the many beautifully presented, highquality photobooks available on the market today, or in photo prints framed and placed on the walls of our house

In a recent report, Futuresource Consulting noted that the merchandise and photobooks market saw 12.5% growth last year, as photo businesses add new app building departments to their services. This is driven by consumer demand and favourable market conditions as a result of “increased portable device adoption, photo sharing, social media and the consumers’ desire to create more from their digital memories.” Futuresource predicts that “the number of images captured daily in Western Europe is set to be 55 million for digital cameras and 638 million for Smartphones by the end of 2016.” With photo quality and resolution on Smartphone cameras and cameras integrated into other mobile devices increasing, it seems the desire to print images captured with these

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NEWS providing perfect quality output. Van Bauwel explains: “We are very good in having stable output but with this new, incremental, calibration we can create the curve faster and more accurately.

As a result, Xeikon presses can get up to quality faster improving machine throughput and efficiency.”

For more complex delivery, Xeikon has developed shuffle imposition. It allows seamless mixed label production. This saves an extra step and time in prepress.

It also allows end-users to be more creative with promotional campaigns but enabling the easy combination of designs and variable information.

NEW COLORFORECAST ASSURES CORRECT COLOR REPRODUCTION Xeikon has unveiled X-800 5.0 software designed to support faster, more effective production.

The latest X-800 version improves Xeikon’s ability to combine superior and consistent print with industry-leading productivity. It allows more jobs to be processed faster with minimal human intervention, which improves accuracy, ensures repeatability and reduces errors, resulting in industry-leading productivity.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, Xeikon’s Director Product Management says: “We work closely with our customers and this latest version has been developed after listening to their needs. They want peace of mind that results from assured accuracy, consistency and greater productivity.”

“We have created the X-800 5.0 with our four cornerstones of development

in mind – improvements in color quality, moving closer to green button printing, helping facilitate management and integration with the customer’s environment. We always look to provide additional ways to positively impact these areas.”

One key new feature is the ColorForecast tool that allows custom or brand colors to be reproduced correctly time after time no matter what the final substrate is.

“Everyone wants to meet the set expectations by producing the correct color,” comments Van Bauwel. “With ColorForecast, this can be achieved in the prepress. It predicts if the file will print to the desired results. It can test and verify if the color will match output.

This reduces set up times and waste.

Customers don’t have to print, check, send samples, wait for a response, modify settings and then print again. It can all be done offline.

Color confidence “Without printing anything, our customers can be sure it will match. It predicts the output without having to waste time. Customers want to be able to print on different substrates with confidence in the color reproduction.

They know what they will get,” Van Bauwel continues.

Another feature, enabled by re-designing the calibration process, ensures Xeikon presses get up to quality faster, improving machine throughput and efficiency. It also provides immediate operator feedback on the engine’s status

The possible savings don’t end with printing. They can also be made in automating and optimizing the flow, resulting in less setup and waste during finishing. Production times are reduced by enabling smooth inline production for maximum efficiency.

Positive impact “This has a very positive impact on profitability margins.” explains Van Bauwel: “We see set up waste in finishing reduced from 17% to 12% by integrating his X-800 workflow with its MIS environment. This equated to a 30% waste reduction.”

Van Bauwel concludes: “By fine tuning the whole process waste of expensive substrates is reduced and press time is maximised.”

Xeikon X-800 5.0 will be released at the beginning of 2017 and will be made available for all MyPress-based engines.

RELEASE OF GHENT PDF OUTPUT SUITE 5.0 FOR TESTING Ghent Workgroup (GWG) announces the release of Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 for testing and adjusting PDF output workflows with color management in order to be fully compliant with PDF/X-4.

Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 helps determine whether workflows are behaving as expected, and identify errors in a fast and easy way. It is distributed as a series of PDF patches that can be applied by end users of graphic arts equipment as well as developers of applications handling PDF files. Each

More Performance. Built in automation plus unique press

technologies take the finite resource of time and multiply it for you. You get more out of every shift and enhanced relationship with your clients.

The Versant™ 2100 Press allows you to manage colour more easily and simply with automated calibration and proofing. The result is higher quality without operator involvement, a positive impact on your productivity as well as your print output.

Do More. With More.

For more information: www.fxap.com.sg/product/production/versant_2100p.jsp The Versant™ 2100 Press

Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design and Versant are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

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NEWS Stephan Jaeggi, PrePress-Consulting Switzerland and chair of the Process Control Subcommittee, was the driving force behind the taskforce of Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0, alongside Didier Haazen, VIGC Belgium, and Peter Kleinhieder, Calibrate Austria. “The Ghent PDF Output Suite is designed to address the complexities of digital prepress files and output settings having a significant effect on the end result of printed materials.

We are all very excited about this new version. It is the first release that supports testing of output workflows with color management by adding ICC-based test patches. The test pages are easy to use, requiring little time with great benefits to the user. Eventually it helps improve the output quality big time, and adds value to the overall throughput.”

Optimal results with PDF/X files David Zwang, Chairman, Ghent Workgroup, comments: "The patches test real world issues that can be found in a production environment. The patches have been built to easily and unambiguously reveal normally subtle, and sometimes missed, problems. By using the Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 to test the parameters and settings in applications and RIPs, you can verify or adjust files or settings to produce optimal results when running PDF/X files.”

patch is numbered and contains tests for one specific property. The patches can be used individually but most patches can also be grouped together. Therefore

the most important part of the Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 package is a six page PDF with an amalgamation of 48 patches ready to start testing immediately.

In version 5.0 additional patches have been added to test ICC-based objects allowed in PDF/X-4 (ISO 15930-7) to test device independent workflows.

The Ghent Workgroup has abstained from using ICC based blending spaces in isolated transparency groups for this release since their processing is not clearly defined in PDF 1.6, on which PDF/X-4 is based, creating confusion in RIP implementations.

Patches from the Ghent PDF Output Suite V4.0 are also included in the package which is now divided into three categories: - CMYK: test patches using Device CMYK color only - SPOT: test patches using Device CMYK and a spot color - CMS: test patches using ICCbased colors and testing color management.

Ghent Workgroup has asked vendor

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NEWS members that provide PDF workflow systems to create their individual setup instructions for a successful processing of Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0. These will help users in setting up the correct paramaters for their PDF workflow and processing other PDF/X-4 files. The following vendors have released their settings: CHILI PUBLISH PRODUCES GUIDE TO THE DIGITAL PACKAGING OPPORTUNITY CHILI publish (www.chili-publish.com), CHILI publish today announces it has published a new educational white paper on the digital packaging opportunity.

Titled “Digital Packaging: A Box Full of – ization Potential,” this document gives suppliers and print customers a comprehensive look at the trends that are driving packaging production today, and the technology needed to succeed in this new paradigm. The white paper is available now for download on the CHILI publish website.

Geert Fransen, Product Manager CHILI publish, authored the white paper. He notes, “There was a time when the purpose of packaging was simple: to contain the product and tell the consumer what’s inside. But today, packaging has evolved and is now a marketing channel in and of itself. As a result, packaging now needs to keep pace with the marketing trends that help brands to get – and keep – a prosperous connection with the consumer. It’s a much more complex process, and that’s why CHILI publish developed this white paper. We wanted to give suppliers and print customers a solid understanding of the technology they need to succeed in this new packaging paradigm.”

The Digital Packaging Opportunity In this newly published white paper, CHILI publish helps suppliers and print customers understand the processes and technical solutions that are needed to fully employ these “– ization” differentiators and create digital packaging that speaks to the consumer in

a variety of ways, including: Customization - seasonal or promotional elements that are added to a standard package design for a temporary campaign, or colors that are altered for a limited edition.

Regionalization – elements on the packaging that differ from region to region, especially legally required labeling information.

Individualization – going beyond personalization and tailoring an entire package to one person, including their favorite color, the shape they best respond to, fonts, mood, images they like and ofcourse their name.

Digital communications have transformed the relationship between brands and consumers. Marketers are now able to capture and use more consumer data than ever before. In exchange for all this data, consumers expect to receive targeted, personal communications from their brands at each stage of the buying process including packaging.

To meet this demand for individualized products, it is not enough for packaging providers to understand the need for personalization; they must also fully embrace the technology required to create packaging that goes beyond personalization and to “the –ization of differentiators.”

The right technology for the job There is now a range of technologies available that let users easily and effectively achieve this type of individualized packaging. In the white paper, readers will find a vendor-agnostic discussion about these technologies and how they can be employed to ensure that packaging acts as a powerful marketing tool.

Geert Fransen, continues, “Making packaging part of your marketing effort is daunting for many brands and packaging suppliers. The goal of this white paper is to remove that challenge by giving readers an understanding of current technology that can best support the “– ization” of packaging at each step in the production process.”

GERMAN SCREEN PRINTER BACHMANN GMBH SEES

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NEWS IMMEDIATE BENEFITS FROM INCA ONSET X3 INVESTMENT AT DRUPA 2016 Having purchased Germany’s first Inca Onset X3 off the Fujifilm stand at drupa 2016, Bachmann GmbH is already seeing increases in the quality and productivity of its output just three months on from installation. “We saw the X3 in operation at Inca’s headquarters in the UK earlier this year,” says Bachmann CEO, Pascal Bachmann. “As we’ve been running an Inca Onset S40i since 2012, we were already great admirers of the combination of Inca hardware and Fujifilm inks and printhead technology that makes this range so effective. But with the Inca Onset X3, we feel that the Fujifilm-Inca partnership has taken both productivity and quality to another level altogether, and this made the decision to invest a relatively easy one. Our bottom line for any new investment is to improve flexibility and productivity without compromising quality. In the Onset X3 we have found a machine with the ability to deliver all three.

“When we visited drupa 2016, we took the opportunity to check the machine out again, and were still very impressed with its performance, so we confirmed the order there and then. In fact, we bought the very machine that was on the stand. Fujifilm shipped it straight to us immediately after the show and by the middle of July, it was fully operational.

The Fujifilm sales and installation teams did an excellent job in a short space of time.”

Bachmann produces wide format signage products for customers across a range of sectors, from high-profile brands in the textile, retail and automotive industries; to popular cinema and petrol station chains. It prints on a huge variety of durable substrates – from rigid board; to adhesive and magnetic vinyls; to printed products for 3D thermoforming.

“To be honest I think the Onset X3 is unmatched as a large format machine with the ability to handle both flexible and rigid substrates,” says Mr Bachmann.

“There are probably flatbed machines out there that are a close match in quality or productivity for rigid substrates, and other machines that come close for printing to flexible materials, but I don’t believe there is any single machine on the market today that can match the X3 for both quality and productivity across such a wide range of substrate types.”

With its ability to print on flexible and rigid substrates up to 5cm thick, at an extraordinary 900m2/hr, the Onset X3 is also enhancing Bachmann’s overall productivity, helped further by the fact that its investment included Hostert full-automation. The Hostert system automatically loads media onto the machine, maximising its production potential and freeing up staff time to focus on other parts of the business.

“Our customers were already very happy with the quality of the products we were delivering for them on the Onset S40i,” Mr Bachmann continues. “The X3 has taken that up a level again and we are

working with Fujifilm to adapt our S40i to run on X series inks as well, so that it too can benefit from the enhanced quality on offer. But the biggest difference we (and our customers) have noticed is just how quickly we can turn jobs around on the X3, while maintaining the exceptional levels of quality and durability our customers have come to expect.

“Modern print companies need to revolutionise to survive,” Mr Bachmann concludes. “There can be no complacency. No one can say for sure what the future holds, but what is certain is that those with the most flexibility, adaptability and creativity will thrive.

In the Onset X3, and in our growing partnership with both Fujifilm and Inca Digital, we think we have given ourselves the best possible platform to deliver on all of these essential requirements.”

Says Kersten Caspar, Sales Manager, High-End Digital Presses, Fujifilm Graphic Systems, Germany: “We are delighted to have secured our first German customer for this exceptional, high-performance machine, and we are pleased to see the positive impact it is already having on their business. We look forward to continuing to work with Bachmann as it grows its digital business and maximises the potential of its recent investment, demonstrating to customers and competitors just what this machine is capable of.”